After figuring out they could play with the seven-time state champions in the first quarter, the Lady Raiders took control for a while in the second quarter. QND got key contributions from several players as it built its lead to as many as nine points twice during the period.

A 3-pointer by Renita Bunte started the quarter. She added two free throws after an Adrienne GodBold basket.

Then sub Janelle Vermiere converted a conventional three-point play with 4:51 left to give the Lady Raiders their biggest lead of the game at that point -- 27-22.

Two free throws by Natalie Siebers and a bucket by Karlee Gengenbacher pushed the lead to 31-22 with 2:51 left in the half. GodBold helped Marshall whittle that lead to 31-28 with 1:40 to play, but she picked up her third foul at the 1:27 mark.

Gengenbacher continued her strong play by knocking down two free throws and making two baskets, the last giving QU a 37-28 cushion with 55 seconds left in the half.

A crucial call happend as the halftime buzzer sounded. Gengenbacher was whistled for her second foul with one second remaining. With Marshall in the bonus, Sarah Rogers went to the line with no time on the clock. She made the first free throw and missed the second to pull Marshall within six points at the break.

A telling stat: With GodBold on the floor in the first half, Marshall outscored QND by 11 points. In the time she was out, QND outscored Marshall by 17 points.

-- Herald-Whig Staff